Ni got out Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera Sunday at Cleveland, striking out four in 1 2/3 innings.

In the latest series at Minnesota, he twice kept the Twins' one-two punch of left-handed Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau off the basepaths.

"I just tried to do what my coaches wanted," Ni said through his interpreter.

So, he hit his spots against them?

"I only hit my spots some of the time with them," Ni said, smiling.

Did he get lucky?

"Yeah," he said, smiling even bigger. But he also stressed he is not satisfied.

"I need to make each pitch better," Ni said. "I just keep trying to improve myself, and I am learning things."

One of the keys has been distinguishing who the tough hitters are. For instance, after striking out the first batter he faced in the major leagues, Jason Giambi, at Oakland, Ni had no idea who he was.

"Now, I am understanding who I am facing," Ni said. "I am learning the hitters to stay away from with pitches."

Leyland said there is "room for improvement" on Ni's breaking ball, but added, "I like him a lot. He has good learning power. He's a great kid."

Twins add Pavano
Minnesota acquired Carl Pavano from the Cleveland Indians on Friday for a player to be named later. Pavano is 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA against Detroit this season but 6-8 with a 6.16 ERA against everyone else. He is to start Saturday against the Tigers.

"We definitely have to be aggressive with him," third baseman Brandon Inge said.

The new 'Rod'
There are efforts in the clubhouse to pin a nickname on Tigers closer Fernando Rodney, who says he "feels like a monster" coming in from the bullpen. So, Rod-zilla has been suggested, while Seay likes F-Rod.

Rodney laughed when the F-Rod suggestion was relayed. He said he has never had a nickname, but is OK with whatever anyone decides.

Interest in Smoltz, Giambi?
It's doubtful the Tigers will have interest in pitcher John Smoltz (2-5, 8.52 ERA), who was designated for assignment Friday by the Boston Red Sox, or Giambi (.193, 11 homers, 40 RBIs), who was released by the Oakland A's. But the pair could attract some interest as September roster additions.

Tigers sign third baseman
Detroit has signed 26th-round pick Edgar Corcino, a third baseman from Puerto Rico.